Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Kenmore Dishwasher Fires
Whirlpool Corporation has agreed to settle claims brought by Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith LLP and it co-counsel alleging that up to 24 million dishwashers manufactured by Whirlpool contain a design defect that can cause the control board to overheat or catch fire.
For persons who owned one of the 24 million affected dishwashers and experienced a control board overheating event, Whirlpool has agreed to reimburse up to the full cost of repair, or up to $300 for persons who purchased a replacement dishwasher, if the overheating event occurred within 12 years of purchase. Certain “Prequalified” persons will be offered compensation without any need to submit documentary evidence. Further, owners who experience an overheating event up to 2 years after the settlement will be entitled to a 30% discount off the price of a new Whirlpool-manufactured dishwasher, or a cash payment of $100.
In addition, approximately 6 million Class members who purchased certain affected models of dishwasher are entitled to a rebate of 10-20% off the price of a new Whirlpool-brand dishwasher, even if they never experienced an overheating event and even if they no longer own the dishwasher. Whirlpool has also agreed to provide safety warnings on service and training bulletins, and to provide notice of the settlement benefits on packaging for replacement parts.
Additional information is available on the settlement website: www.dishwashersettlement.com
Attorneys for this case:
Steven A. Schwartz
Timothy N. Mathews